Senate Resolution No. 731

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMEMORATING the 10th Anniversary of Ballin' for
a Cause in Buffalo, New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Ballin' for a Cause in Buffalo, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Ballin' for a Cause is an internationally recognized
non-profit organization which hosts the Ballin' for a Cause World Games
each year, an event which brings together 700 participants and over 60
teams for a competitive weekend of 5-on-5 basketball; and

WHEREAS, Ballin' for a Cause World Games serves as a stage to raise
money for education, youth sports, and community and health programs; in
2016, the tournament featured 11 international teams, ranging from
Canada, Puerto Rico, Cambodia, Philippines, Turkey, India, Africa,
Haiti, First Nations, Asia and Dominican Republic; and

WHEREAS, Serving over 500 youth annually through the proceeds from
the World Games, Ballin' for a Cause strives to utilize sports as a tool
to engage youths in positive year-round programs which feature their
four core areas of education, youth sports, health and community giving,
their BFAC Big 4 Initiative; and

WHEREAS, Executive Director of Ballin' for a Cause, Lindsey Taylor
is a former student-athlete from the City of Buffalo who created this
program to meet the extreme need for year-round programs for the youth;
and

WHEREAS, Students ranging in age from 5-22 who join this program,
benefit from the positive impact that has been invested in their lives,
and will continue to live a purposeful and meaningful life, as their
mentors have taught them; and

WHEREAS, Every participant of Ballin' for a Cause is eligible for a
scholarship grant upon the completion of their senior year; in return,
participants who graduate from their program will be motivated to
reciprocate the same caring investment to the next generation; and

WHEREAS, The tournament has been held in different cities such as
Toronto, Cleveland, New York City, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Erie,
and Buffalo; in 2017, this vital organization will mark its 10th
Anniversary with the National Basketball Tournament on May 19-21, 2017,
in Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Ballin' for a Cause; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lindsey Taylor, Executive Director, Ballin' for a Cause.